A homicide defendant who fatally shot a man and his own dog accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 14.
Quateze Moore, 47, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Martinez Robinson on Aug. 23, 2024 on the 1300 block of Girard Street, NW.
During the hearing, Peter Odom and Shawn Sukumar, Moore’s attorneys, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
The deal also required Moore to plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine while armed in connection to an unrelated matter.
Parties agreed that the sentence imposed should be based on the voluntary sentencing guidelines.
According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Moore shot at Robinson eight times, striking him thrice as he ran away from Moore. During the incident, Moore’s dog, Ace, was also shot and killed.
The prosecution claimed Moore had a conscious disregard for Robinson’s safety, and he acted voluntarily and not in self-defense.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 27.
